Giving Back: Community Heroes

Jamie Ruble

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Giving Back: Community Heroes

Understand why we give back to our community

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of giving back to their community through a fun and interactive game. By engaging in this activity, students will learn about the importance of community service and how they can contribute positively to their surroundings. This lesson is crucial in fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy among students, encouraging them to become active and caring members of their community.

Audience

Elementary Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Post-it notes, Markers, Printable Cards: Community Roles, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin with a brief discussion on what it means to give back to the community.
Ask students if they have ever participated in any community service activities and how it made them feel.

Step 2

Community Heroes Game

25 minutes

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a set of printable cards representing different community roles (e.g., firefighter, teacher, volunteer).
Explain the rules: Each group will brainstorm ways their assigned role can give back to the community and write their ideas on post-it notes.
Encourage creativity and teamwork as students come up with unique ways to contribute.

Step 3

Group Presentations

5 minutes

Have each group present their ideas to the class.
Allow time for questions and feedback from peers.

Step 4

Closure

5 minutes

Conclude with a discussion on the importance of giving back and how small actions can make a big difference.
Encourage students to think of one way they can give back to their community in the coming week.

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Worksheet

Community Roles Cards

These cards represent different community roles and are used in the Community Heroes Game to help students brainstorm ways to give back.

Firefighter

Teacher

Volunteer

Doctor

Police Officer

Environmentalist

Artist

Chef

Engineer

Nurse

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions guide the discussion on the importance of giving back to the community.

Why is it important to give back to our community?

Discuss how giving back can improve the community and create a sense of belonging.

Can you think of a time when someone helped you? How did it make you feel?

Encourage students to share personal stories and reflect on the impact of kindness.

What are some small ways we can give back to our community every day?

Brainstorm simple actions like picking up litter, helping a neighbor, or volunteering.